Journal #2: If molecules of gas are too small to see, how
do we know they are in the air?
(BEGIN WORKING IMMEDIATELY AT BELL)
NC NEW STANDARDS: 7.E.1.1 EARTH SYSTEMS, STRUCTURES, & PROCESSES
I CAN:
 Describe the composition and properties of Earth’s atmosphere.
 Identify the structure of the Earth’s atmosphere.
I WILL:
 Graph the composition of the Earth’s atmosphere from a data table.
 Describe the relationship between air pressure and altitude.
 Illustrate and label the layers of the atmosphere.
VOCABULARY STARTER: REVIEW SCIENCE VOCABULARY THINK-TAC-TOE
INTRODUCTION:
Picture an electric stove –with a pot of water on top.
The burner radiates energy. Energy transferred to bottom of pot and to water is
conduction. The water begins to move, transferring energy by convection.
READING:
Read pages A16-A21 The Sun Supplies the atmosphere’s energy
Complete Table: 3 Ways of Moving Energy through the ATMOSPHERE
Vocabulary Word/Meaning
Radiation
Details relating to the atmosphere
Conduction
Convection
Refer to page A17
What happens to solar energy? Fill in the circle graph with the amounts of solar
radiation absorbed and reflected. Where does it go???
Read pages A20-A21
Complete table: Temperature Layers of the Atmosphere
Temperature Layer
Thermosphere
Mesosphere
Stratosphere
Troposphere
Details
Answer the following questions in complete sentences.
 What 2 things happen to solar radiation that reaches Earth?
 What characteristics do scientists use to define the four layers of the
atmosphere?
 How might a thick puffy cloud reflect a different amount of the Sun’s
radiation than a thin, wispy one?
 Jet planes fly near the top of the troposphere. Is it more important to heat
or cool the passenger cabins?